The picture of Jesus as our Good Shepherd also pictures what we are like. The picture language of chapter 7 in Revelation builds on what we have already seen in Revelation. The Great White host numbers 144,000 which builds on the number 12, the number of the church in Revelation. It is not a literal number but represents the Church of Christ. The Great white host is pictured as innumerable, standing before the throne, clothed in white robes and with palm branches in their hands. They cry out with a loud voice and come out of the tribulation. This pictures believers, as Paul says are those who believe in Jesus, who share the FAITH of Abraham, not his physical descendants. The Lamb cleanses the saints through the shedding of His blood. The Lamb feeds and tends His people for eternity. The Shepherd cares for His people, giving them freedom from sin and its effects (v.16). Hunger, thirst, pain and sorrow are removed. The presence of God is the believer’s joy and comfort (v.17).